Time Spent Outside Helps Keep Your Child’s Eyes Healthy

MYOPIA, OR NEARSIGHTEDNESS (being unable to clearly see things that are far away) is on the rise. One thing that makes the trend alarming is that some of the biggest increases are being seen in children.

While there are many factors being studied by researchers who are investigating this trend, some believe they’re now closing in on a primary culprit—too much time indoors.

One Hour Spent Outside Each Week Could Reduce Myopia Risk By 2 Percent

But first, don’t forget the eye protection!

Last year a systematic review paper aggregated other studies and concluded that an hour spent outside each week could reduce a child’s chance of developing myopia by 2 percent.

Unbelievably, 81% of 15 year olds in Taiwan are nearsighted. In fact, the trend is especially dramatic in many parts of Asia. And although nearsightedness can be an inherited trait, researchers believe that genetics alone don’t account for the dramatic increases.

How Can You Help Prevent Myopia In Your Child?

Scientists and researchers are still in the early phases of understanding this trend. We’ll keep doing what we can to stay up on the research and to pass relevant information on to you, our valued patients. For now, here are some eye-healthy tips to consider:

Make sure children spend plenty of time outside. Studies show that time outside helps develop the eye and promotes overall eye health.

Pass This Helpful Information Along

Whether or not you have your own children, we all have children in our lives. Do you have a relative, coworker, neighbor, or friend who could benefit from understanding more about children and myopia? Pass this information along! You’ll be surprised how people will appreciate that you care.

Enjoy This Jason Mraz Song With Your Child, Then Get Outside And Play Together!

Do you have any suggestions, or something to add? What are some of the ways you’ve helped your child spend more time outside? We’d love to hear your thoughts and comments, and we’re sure our other readers would as well. You can comment below, or on our Facebook page anytime.